The relationship of emotional abuse and neglect and severity of substance use disorder among young male inpatient adults in Lebanon : a correlational study of a cross-sectional design

Abstract

Emotional abuse and neglect have been shown to have deteriorating effects on aspects, such as psychological, social, and moral development. A variety of research studies have shown it to have effects on disorders, one of them being substance use disorder. The main aim of the study is to explore whether the presence of emotional abuse and neglect could be related to the severity of substance use disorder. The sample consisted of 40 Lebanese males aged 18-25, who reside in well-known rehabilitation centers for addiction. In addition, a control group took part in this study, which consisted of 40 males aged 18-25 that do not meet the diagnostic criteria for substance use disorder. The presence of emotional abuse and neglect were measured by utilizing the Child Trauma Questionnaire – Short Form. The severity of substance use disorder was measured by using the Drug Abuse Screening Test – 10. The study observed whether emotional abuse was prevalent among the experimental group or the control group. Results showed that emotional abuse is present among the participants who have a severe course of disorder than moderate and substantial levels. Results in regards to emotional neglect were not found to be associated with the severity of substance use disorder since the data was not statistically significant. Emotional abuse and neglect were found to be more prevalent among the experimental group than the control group.